October 8, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 2
1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.
13 And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables;
16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.
17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
21 But he spake of the temple of his body.
22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
John Chapter 2 presents two significant events in the life and ministry of Jesus: the miracle at the wedding in Cana and the cleansing of the temple in Jerusalem. These two occurrences highlight Jesus’ divine power and His calling, while also delving deeper into His relationship with people and the Father. The chapter begins with Jesus’ first miracle, where He turns water into wine, and ends with His first public confrontation in the temple, where He drives out the merchants. These events reveal various facets of Jesus’ personality – His compassion, authority, and zeal for the house of God.
Commentary
1.The Wedding at Cana (Verses 1–12):
This miracle marks the beginning of Jesus’ public signs. At the wedding, which symbolizes community and joy, Jesus displays His compassion and power over creation by turning water into wine. Notably, the dialogue between Mary and Jesus suggests that Jesus’ earthly mission is not yet fully unfolded: “My hour has not yet come.” Nevertheless, Jesus listens to His mother’s request and performs this miracle in private. The bridegroom is praised for keeping the “good wine” until the end, symbolizing God’s abundant goodness and generosity. The miracle not only demonstrates Jesus’ glory but also shows that faith and trust are the foundation for God’s work.
2.The Cleansing of the Temple (Verses 13–25):
The cleansing of the temple is an expression of Jesus’ divine zeal for the house of God. He drives out the merchants and money changers who had turned the sanctuary into a marketplace. This event fulfills Old Testament prophecies and shows Jesus’ deep connection with the Father. The Jews demand a sign of His authority, and Jesus prophetically speaks about His death and resurrection when He says, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The cleansing of the temple underscores Jesus’ mission to restore true worship and holiness.
3.Jesus’ Knowledge of the Human Heart (Verses 23–25):
Many people believed in Jesus because of the signs He performed, but Jesus did not trust them because He knew their hearts. This emphasizes that Jesus’ knowledge and insight go far beyond human understanding; He sees deeply into the human heart and knows what is happening within.
Summary
In John Chapter 2, Jesus begins His public mission with two decisive actions: the miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana and the cleansing of the temple in Jerusalem. Both events reveal His divine power and glory. The miracle at Cana shows Jesus’ compassion and power over the elements, while the cleansing of the temple demonstrates His authority over the house of God and His zeal for true worship. Finally, it is emphasized that Jesus knows the hearts of people and that His work depends not on external signs, but on the faith of the people.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 68—In the Outer Court
This chapter is based on John 12:20-42.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 68 is based on John 12:20-43 and deals with a pivotal event in Jesus’ life, when Greeks expressed the desire to see him. This chapter highlights the transition from Jesus’ earthly ministry to his impending sacrificial death on the cross, which would hold significance not only for the Jews but for all humanity. The desire of the Greeks to see Jesus symbolizes the universal appeal of his sacrifice and the expansion of the Gospel beyond the Jewish people.
Commentary
The chapter begins with the Greeks’ request to see Jesus, which Jesus interprets as a sign of his imminent glorification through his death on the cross. This encounter is reminiscent of the Magi who came at Jesus’ birth, signaling that Jesus’ mission is now extending beyond the borders of Israel. Jesus seizes the moment to compare his death to a grain of wheat that must die to bear fruit, emphasizing the necessity of his sacrifice for the salvation of the world.
The chapter underscores the importance of self-sacrifice, both in Jesus’ life and in the lives of his followers. Jesus speaks of his coming exaltation on the cross as the moment when he will draw all people to himself. Despite these revelations, many remain in disbelief, and even some of the leaders are afraid to publicly confess their faith.
Summary
Chapter 68 describes the final moments of Jesus before his crucifixion, interpreting the Greeks’ desire to see him as a sign of the expansion of his mission. Jesus explains that his death, like the death of a grain of wheat, is necessary to bring forth new life. The chapter emphasizes the universal significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and the spread of the Gospel beyond Israel. It calls for self-sacrifice, both for Christ and his followers, while reflecting the deep sorrow over the continued disbelief of many.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 69—On the Mount of Olives
This chapter is based on Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21:5-38.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 69 is based on the writings of Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21:5-38. It addresses Jesus’ prophetic announcements regarding the destruction of Jerusalem and His second coming. This discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives, provides the disciples and future generations with guidance and warnings about upcoming trials and God’s ultimate triumph. Jesus instructs His disciples on the signs of the times and calls for vigilance and faithfulness in light of the forthcoming events.
Commentary
In this chapter, Jesus warns His disciples about the impending destruction of Jerusalem while simultaneously alluding to His second coming. He intertwines these two events in His prophetic announcements, emphasizing the necessity of vigilance. The signs that indicate the destruction of Jerusalem also serve as harbingers of the end times. Jesus speaks of false prophets, wars, famines, and persecutions that will precede the final judgment. He reminds His disciples not to be deceived and to maintain their faithfulness to God, even in the face of persecution. Finally, He points to the inevitable coming of the Son of Man in power and glory and encourages believers to remain steadfast in prayer and in anticipation of His return.
Summary
Chapter 69 describes Jesus’ significant sermon on the Mount of Olives, in which He prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem and His second coming. He provides the disciples with signs of the impending events and calls for constant vigilance. By linking the fall of Jerusalem with the end times, Jesus urges believers to examine their hearts, avoid deception, and faithfully await His return. The chapter underscores that both the destruction of Jerusalem and the second coming of Christ are part of the divine plan and that God will ultimately save His believers.
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